Page 54 of Finding Forgiveness

“Jaz, I’ll call you back, I have another call coming through.”

“Hello,” I say when I end her call and accept the other.

“Connor.”

“Yes.”

“It’s Bradford Lewis, Cassandra’s father. I’m sorry to bother you again, but I’ve been trying to reach my daughter for the past few days and she’s not answering any of my calls.”

“That’s probably because your wife called her from your phone, demanding she return to Melbourne.”

“She did what?”

“Cassie blocked her number as you advised … I guess your wife used your phone to get around that obstacle.”

“That woman is testing my last patience. I told her to leave Cassandra alone. Can you please tell her that from me?”

“I would, but Cassandra isn’t staying with me at the moment.”

“Where is she staying?”

“I’m not sure … things are a little strained between us,” I admit, which is the understatement of the century. “She finally told me about the baby this morning.”

“What baby?” he asks, and I can tell by the tone in his voice he’s perplexed by what I’ve just said.

“You didn’t know?”

“No.”

“I guess I’m not the only person who’s been kept in the dark.”

“My daughter’s expecting?”

“No, she’s no longer pregnant. This isn’t a recent development, Mr Lewis. This was years ago … when we were dating. I don’t know specifics; you will have to talk to your daughter or your wife if you want to know more.”

“My wife knew about this?”

“From the little I do know; she was the reason Cassie kept it a secret.”

“I’ll be getting to the bottom of this,” he says, releasing a long breath. “If you hear from my daughter in the meantime, can you get her to call me?”

“I doubt I will, but if I do, I’ll let her know it’s you that’s been calling, and not your wife.”

“You sound upset.”

“You think? I had a right to know … and not six years later.”

“For what it’s worth, I’m sorry, Connor.”

“I appreciate that. Thank you.”

When I end the call, I re-enter the courthouse and head straight for the judges’ chambers. I’m going to have to get this trial postponed for another time. I’m no good to anyone while I’m like this.

Chapter17

Cassie

Ihave no idea where I’m going, so I just keep driving. I’ve been on the road for two hours now. I’m not familiar with the suburbs in this state, other than Sydney, but I’m well and truly out of the big smoke. I can only presume I’m heading inland since I haven’t driven off a cliff and fallen to my impending death into the murky ocean below.